According to the United Nations (UN), sustainable development can be understood as a “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”. This definition was presented for the first time during the World Commission on Environment and Development (WCED - UN) in 1987; the Commission was created in 1983.

Bearing in mind this concept, Los Andes has been working on how to reduce the environmental impact that arises from the University´s operation in order to make a contribution regarding conservation and the responsible use of resources.

Currently, the University has some eco-friendly politics and is carrying out some activities towards this same aim such as the building and use of solar panels to heat up water, sewage treatment plants and green roofs, as well as the promotion of waste recycling and green transport.

These politics and activities have been the first steps towards Los Andes contribution regarding sustainability but are still not enough given the dimensions of the topic; this is the reason why the University wants to develop “Green Campus”, a plan to approach and work on this topic within the University.